One of the greatest things in life is to be able to do anything, anywhere, at your own pace while on holiday. I may have the extreme in mind (when you can afford to wake up at 3pm, begin your day at 5pm or get a decent slice of culture all within a short walk away), but if convenience and not having to catch some weird local sickness are part of the package, then why not, right? Of course, not all of us may be free to travel during the high season, when there are no storms to put a damper on our getaway. But even if money cannot buy impeccable weather, it can still buy you an exquisite holiday experience and pictures, if you just know where to look.
Unsurprisingly, it is the biggest names in the industry that are able to cater to all your whimsies -- namely The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui. Having celebrated its grand opening earlier this June, the name and reputation of the hotel itself is one that precedes it from miles away. Upon finally getting onto the 58 acre property, which now houses the largest resort on Koh Samui, it shows that the bling factor of the hotel feels like it hasn't reached its full potential yet, but mostly because the lush vegetation is still in the making. The trees still have yet to grow into towering shades, but that's probably the biggest first-world gripe about this newly launched resort. Sprawling over a hilltop and beach in the northeastern part of the island, the 175 suites and pool villas don't fail to deliver what you would expect of any luxury stay: infinity-pool views, butlers to get your bath going, meticulously-decorated welcome fruits and the like. What makes it stand out from other opulent offerings, however, are the recreational activities available on site.
If you'd rather not bother with the hassle (and expensive bill) of travelling around the island but would like an experience of local food beyond the resort's southern cuisine restaurant Pak Tai, make sure to book a stay here on a weekend. Every Saturday night, the plaza next to the breakfast building (which has the most expansive and endless morning food selections you will ever see) transforms into a miniature market called Baan Talat. A good dozen carts scattered around the area will be serving Thai street food favourites, where guests can go order and enjoy their food at outdoor tables under the fitting decor of temple fair flags. This is, of course, a tame version of the real experience you could probably get outside, but then again, no one out there comes to refill your wine glass, nor is it going to be as spacious and inclusive of a wonderful view of the sea. It's also unlikely that there is a dance show and a Hanuman character that walks to every table for photo ops, much to the delight of Asian shutterbugs we spotted at the venue.
Masks that cover the entire face make snorkelling effortless, even for young children.
For Westerners, who don't have iron guts like the locals and need to get used to fiery Thai cuisine, the hotel staff definitely feel more relieved about their guests dining here -- without the worries of getting sick from unsanitary food. Thais may find the southern offerings lacking, because the most southern it gets is a stir-fried pork with kapi dish from the stir-fry cart. If you aren't serious about getting Samui bites, however, it is a well-executed array of Thai eats that range from noodles and som tam to fried oysters, chicken rice and grill station (with maala sauce), among many others. There's even a fried snack cart, serving fries and fried kanom jeeb (shumai dumplings), which goes fantastically with their free flow cart of Thai wines, beers, and ya dong (herbal liquor). As a local, it's fun to see how they've gotten creative with their ya dong, which is flavoured with cinnamon or roselle, to make it more palatable and easier to drink. Two more dessert carts not to be missed serve mango sticky rice, Thai tea popsicles and fresh coconut rolls, but the star is mainly the delightfully light and crispy roti. When you're done feasting, doesn't it feel safe and warm to know that you won't get mugged on your walk back to your room, or that a buggy is ready to drive you at a moment's notice?
This thread of convenience continues with the hotel's one-of-a-kind Swim Reef. Although roughly the size of a volleyball court, this pool made to recreate a snorkelling experience is by no-means too small or "kiddy". It's deceiving from the shore and only a dip under the water would let you know that it feels just about the right size. For those who aren't keen to venture into the real open sea or if the sea's waters are not calm enough, this option can be a great stand-in for you to get your snorkelling fix. The coral reefs are artificial, but the 50 different species of marine fish swimming about are not -- and they are not shy to swim right past your face. No more than four guests are allowed per each 30-minute session, ensuring that you have more than enough space to waddle around and even pet the sea cucumber. You'll get to feed the fish, too, and see hundreds of them swimming to eat right out of your hand, which is the sort of thing that won't happen in a natural environment. Three guided tours are conducted daily, with a live-feeding session happening at 4.30pm. Onlookers who'd rather not get wet can come and watch when cabbages and fresh food are fed to the fish. But if being a beginner is your greatest concern, don't let that stop you, because the resort's snorkelling masks don't even require you to only breathe through your mouth. It covers the whole face and can even pack in a handful of seconds should you go completely underwater, with its airlock system that keeps water out of the breathing tube.
If you want to spoil yourself, The Ritz-Carlton at Koh Samui comfortably lets you go all the way without even having to leave the premises. With all the time and money you can save from these conveniences, I wouldn't even call it being a lazy bum, but more of a smart and selective participator.
Dining at Baan Talat costs 2,200 baht per person including wine and beer. The Swim Reef Snorkeling Experience costs 500 baht per person. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui.
